1 Samuel 8:19-20 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:4-22

We have here the starting of a matter perfectly new and surprising, which was the setting up of kingly government in Israel. Perhaps the thing had been often talked of among them by those that were given to change and affected that which looked great. But we do not find that it was ever till now publicly proposed and debated. Abimelech was little better than a titular king, though he is said to reign over Israel (Jdg. 9:22), and perhaps his fall had for a great while rendered the title of king... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:19

Nevertheless, the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel ,.... The advice he gave not to think of a king, but be content with the government under which they were; but to this they would not hearken, notwithstanding all the inconveniences that would attend such a change: and they said, nay, but we will have a king over us ; they would not believe what Samuel said concerning a king, even though they were the words of the Lord he delivered to them; and though they knew Samuel was a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:20

That we also may be like all the nations ,.... Even though they were slaves, like them; a king they would have, as they had, such was their stupidity. It was their greatest honour and glory, as well as happiness, not to be like other nations; as in their religion, laws, and liberties, so in their form of government; God being their King in such a peculiar sense as he was not of others, but with this they could not be content: and that our king may judge us ; hear their causes, administer... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:19

The people refused to obey - They would have the king, his manner and all, notwithstanding the solemn warning which they here receive. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 8:20

May judge us - This appears to be a rejection of Samuel. Go out before us - Be in every respect our head and governor. And fight our battles - Be the general of our armies. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:10-22

Permitted, not approved. The facts are— 1 . Samuel points out to the people that their desired king will aggrandise himself at their expense, and that, once entering on their course, there will be no deliverance. 2 . The people, nevertheless, decide to have a king, and assign the motive of their preference. 3 . Samuel, on laying the matter before God, receives a command to make them a king. The question at issue was not whether this or that form of government was intrinsically... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:19-20

The people refused to obey —literally, to hearken to— the voice of Samuel. The words of Samuel were no doubt formally considered by the elders, and we may be sure that there would not be wanting men to urge attention and obedience to his warning; but when the decision had to be made, whether by vote or acclamation, the majority persisted in their choice, and for a reason which completely justified Samuel's displeasure; for they say— That we also may be like all the nations. Their wish... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 8:20

Fight our battles - It appears from 1 Samuel 12:12, that the warlike movements of Nahash had already begun to excite alarm. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 8:19-20

1 Samuel 8:19-20. Nevertheless the people refused to obey This description of kingly government, as then exercised in the East, did not deter them from persisting in their desires. But they still peremptorily demanded a king, although Samuel told them that this demand was, in effect, throwing off the government of God. That we also may be like all other nations Strange blindness and stupidity, that they could not see it was their singular felicity that they were not like other nations!... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Click image for full-size version8:1-12:25 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONARCHYThe people ask for a king (8:1-22)Israel’s history continued to follow the pattern set out in the book of Judges. Once the God-appointed judge (in this case, Samuel) was no longer able to exercise control over the nation (for Samuel was old and his sons who succeeded him as judges were worthless), the people turned from God and drifted into wrongdoing (8:1-3).In search for stability within the nation, the people asked... read more